Riverine Squadron CO, CMDMC Relieved

The head of the Coastal Riverine Group 2 relieved two senior leaders on Friday, bringing to three the number of high-profile sackings that took place last week.

A Navy press release said Capt. David Hunter, commander of the Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 12, and the unit's Command Master Chief, Gregory Krumholz, were relieved of their duties Friday.

The Navy reserve unit is based in Williamsburg and is currently forward deployed to the Navy's 5th Fleet, based in Bahrain.

The release said Coastal Riverine Group 2 Commander Capt. James Hamblet fired Hunter because of "mismanagement of personal matters and unprofessional behavior." Krumholz was fired for "substandard performance of duties" and unprofessional behavior, the statement said.

Hunter will be relieved permanently by Capt. Robert Perry, the release said. Capt. Erich Diehl, Hamblet's deputy, will assume command of the squadron until Perry is able to step in.

No permanent replacement for Krumholz has been named, but Explosive Ordnance Disposal Master Chief Jeff Barnes will serve as the acting command master chief. Both Diehl and Barnes are experienced expeditionary operations commanders, the release said.

The firings come at a pivotal time for the coastal riverines, which are in the process of merging maritime expeditionary forces and riverine units into a single force. The coastal riverine sailors maintain the security of ports and harbors, conduct offensive combat operations and maritime security operations in rivers, harbors and coastal waterways.